Day 8: The Government

For those of you who don’t know – Canada is in the midst of a Federal Election. And it’s taking forever. The longest election in modern history for some indecipherable reason.

Not that I’m at all bitter (I am). This is a tough time for all of us. With 4 political parties to choose from, it is easy to feel torn. If only we could create our own political hybrid. I’ll vote for this immigration policy and that economic plan and their compassion for Aboriginal women, Mulcair’s experience, May’s common sense and top it off with Trudeau’s hair (of course).

There’s no such thing as a perfect solution. I wish I could be a true believer. Personally, I’m voting to keep someone from returning to office more than anything else.

Regardless of where you stand, or what level of frustration/confusion/apathy you feel, the only wrong move is no move at all. Living in a democracy is a privilege and a responsibility. Not because we’re infallible political experts. We’re not. I’m not.

Government isn’t some random bureaucratic monster. It’s our bureaucratic monster. It’s us. It’s who we want to be and how we plan to get there.

The system’s not perfect. And it’ll never be perfect. But we have to try.

I’ve always been proud that we see ourselves as a community, not a bunch of individuals. I’d like to think that selfishness and fear are patently unCanadian.

So, I’m digging in and trying to figure it out, because there’s only 11 days left. If I don’t vote I have no right to complain about the government, at all, until the next election.

And where’s the fun in that? After all, I love me some Rick Mercer…